“Washington is not a place to live in. The rents are high, the food is bad, the dust is disgusting and the morals are deplorable. Go West, young man, go West and grow up with the country.”
Horace Greeley July 13, 1865. New York Tribune.
Although the quote’s attribution is still debated its intent isn’t . It encouraged American Civil War veterans to take advantage of the Homestead Act and colonize the public lands of the American West.
California has always been a victim of its own success, each boom attracting starry eyed hopefuls to the rich coastal cities only to deject many to the hinterland when the inevitable bust follows. Some go back to where they came from while others retreat to the more affordable, dry, dusty, and hot land at the perimeter, hopeful that should their luck turn they will be afforded another attempt. The same hopes and forces that brought them here seem to inexorably push them farther and farther away from the place they only got a glimpse of. Comforted to be somewhat closer to Eden than most but always far from close enough.
The series is available for purchase. Each photograph is printed by the artist on Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta Satin 300 gsm. 11 Ink process. The limited edition photographs are signed, dated and numbered, and come with a certificate of authenticity. 36″x24″ print on 44″x32″ sheet (4″ white borders).
Salton City, CA
Warren Springs, CA
Satlton City, CA
Salton City, CA
Mecca, CA
Salton City, CA
North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, Mecca, CA